Barbourville's Paige Smith Reigns as SKCTC's First KMLF Queen

In May, Paige Smith of Barbourville made Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival history as the first representative of Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College to wear the coveted Queen’s crown.

A new student at the College’s newest campus, Smith almost missed the opportunity entirely. After graduating from Barbourville High School in 2021, she enrolled in classes at another institution before she decided to pursue a career in nursing. That dream led her to enroll at the Southeast Knox Campus this spring.

2023 KMLF Queen Paige Smith of Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College (Photo by Jamie H. Vaught)

“The new location was a deciding factor,” said Smith. “I only had one prerequisite to complete—nurse aide certification—and the campus in Barbourville was so convenient.”

After a few weeks of attending classes, a staff member encouraged her to apply for the position of Southeast Representative. Smith was hesitant because she was mostly unfamiliar with the KMLF tradition.

“I didn’t think I’d get picked,” she said.

However, Smith participated in the interview process, and once she accepted the position, she contacted 2022 KMLF Queen, Morgan Warren of Union College, for wardrobe advice and other tips.

As Festival week arrived, Smith said, “I was terrified, but it turned out to be the most fun I’ve had. I made a lot of contacts and a lot of new friends, and I loved the girls to death. All of them were so nice, and we got to be friends really quickly.”

The Festival in Pineville itself was a whirlwind of activity, according to Smith. “The festival has so many different events you have to go through. They plan it so thoughtfully. You’d be shocked at the detail that goes into every event,” she said.

Smith said that she was enjoying the moment so fully that she was caught off guard when she heard her name called, announcing that she was the new KMLF Queen.

“I couldn’t believe it,” she said. “It was unreal. It is still such a blur.”

“Opening the Knox Campus in Barbourville has been one of our crowning achievements in the last year,” said Dr. Vic Adams, Southeast president. “We are proud of Paige Smith for representing not only the College, but also our newest campus, in the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival. This outstanding young woman has proven what we have always known: Our students rank among those from any college or university in the Commonwealth.”

KMLF queens Paige Smith (2023) and Morgan Warren (2022) (Photo by Jamie H. Vaught)

This fall, Smith will travel to the Middlesboro Campus to attend nursing classes, and after graduating Southeast with an associate degree, she plans to continue her studies, earning a BSN and, eventually, becoming a nurse practitioner.

“My aunt and uncle are nurse practitioners, and after working a part-time job at their clinic, I realized that nursing was definitely for me,” said Smith. “Nurse practitioners play an important health care role in a small community.”

Smith says her experience as Southeast Representative and KMLF Queen candidate has given her the confidence to forge ahead.

“Knowing that I represented myself and Southeast well, that was really rewarding, said Smith. “I am proud to represent a community college. It was an awesome experience. It helped me find my voice, and now I know I can do just about anything.”